SOCIAL DISTANCING

SOCIAL DISTANCING
Friday, March 13, 2020 by Leona Choy

In times like these, we desperately need closeness to one another: A hug, a touch, a physical gesture of encouragement and empathy. We are social beings. Instead, we are strongly urged by powers that be who have our common welfare at heart to stay away from one another—social distancing is the new word for it.

The “pestilence that stalks in darkness and destruction that wastes at noonday,” known by the newly coined name of Coronavirus is the invisible monster that is “approaching” us. Psalm 91 is as contemporary as today's breaking news, including the “ten thousand that fall at our right hand.” We are urged to self-quarantine in our “tent” as a “refuge” and call upon “angel guards” and “look upon with our eyes to behold” –only on TV.

At my family's loving request/command, at age 95 with compromised immunity following my major surgery, I'm self-quarantined, self-isolated. I'm voluntarily hunkering down in my home for the foreseeable future until this present pandemic is resolved. No one is invited to come visit, (even immediate family are self-complying) and I'm not venturing out to public gatherings. Thank you for your concern, I am amply provided for. In fact, I’m looking forward to delicious quality alone time. I don’t get lonely.

There is plenty of activity to watch from feathered friends at the bird feeder on my deck who are unaffected by human afflictions. Nevertheless, it's the human interaction that is missing. We are created for contact and communication with others who have skin on. For the time being, we are to curtail gathering together, some mandate a space of 3 to 5 feet apart, if we are in the vulnerable risk group—which, this time around, happens to be all of us.

God created us as more than creatures of flesh and blood. He breathed into each of us an eternal human soul or spirit. Spirit connections are not limited to space or time restrictions or subject to quarantines or travel bans. Our prayers can travel in less than a nano-second to anyone anywhere and anytime. We can efficaciously reach out and touch with God's power people in need as the Lord brings them to our minds and hearts. This is real, not just high-sounding religious language. It is backed by the promises of God in His written Word. Let's believe it and act on it.

As a starter, who do you know in the above 60 age group, the category most likely to be affected by the virus? How many of YOU are in that calendar season? (In fact, all four of my sons are at that level already.) Couldn't we reach out and touch through prayer some of our friends and family members with a word of encouragement, exhortation and comfort in their possible isolation, anxiety, fear, stress or feeling of helplessness? Most assisted living facilities and nursing homes are now shut to visitors. But we still have email, mail service, social media, phones, FaceTime, Skype, texting—we aren't held back from communicating by voice or fingers on a computer keyboard. We can make virtual visits. We can brighten someone's lonely day. We don't have to be afraid of being contagious or catching an illness ourselves. No social distancing can keep us from channeling God's power to those in need.

Let's give evidence to others of our own trust in God during this temporal and temporary time of widespread health trauma and overflow with the peace that passes understanding which Jesus promised. Bad as it is, it is still “a momentary light affliction” in the grand scheme of things. “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

As if we are on a flight and encounter a time of turbulence, let's fasten our seat belt of trust in God, pull down our oxygen mask of the Holy Spirit's energizing breath and rely on Jesus our Pilot to bring us through this transient storm.

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Comments

Chris Tupper From Redding, CA At 3/24/2020 12:51:54 PM

Thank you, Leona, for remembering about my Dad's passing, especially when we all have so much on our minds these days. Yes, the memories are slowly becoming my comfort. Prayers are with you and for your family each day. Love, Chris

Reply by: Leona Choy

Chris, the Lord is working silently behind the scenes in your concerns for your children's families.Praise Him in advance for all things working for good for all concerned. Cherish your time of aloneness together with God. He will surprise you with such joy in His presence. Psalm 16 esp v, 11

Chris Tupper From Redding, CA At 3/14/2020 11:08:55 PM

Dear Leona, Very nice post, Leona. I was hoping you would write on this current situation we all find ourselves in. Your last paragraph sure made me smile. You take good care of yourself and I'll do the same. With love and thoughts and prayers, Chris

Reply by: Leona Choy

From one sequestered to another...dear Chris, may you sense the Lord's presence in your alone time and draw closer to Him through your intercessory prayers. I send my hug to you in the passing of your Dad and pray that your memories will be your comfort.

Linda Ann Fumea From Florida At 3/14/2020 5:30:03 PM

Thank You. :)

Reply by: Leona Choy

God has given you and Paul a heart and compassion for our India brothers and sisters. He will reward you with joy in being able to channel help to them. The Lord has some special blessing for you two as you dwell in His secret sequestered place.

Cathy From At 3/14/2020 12:56:09 PM

AMEN ~ well said, my writer for the supreme editor friend!

Reply by: Leona Choy

God bless you Cathy at the deepest point of your need. Go slowly on the decision that is facing you. Wait until you have clearly heard from God about it. Listen carefully as you pray for wisdom. Even when the world seems to rock you off your center, hold fast to God to bring you back to harmony and balance. The right decision will bring peace.

Annette From Virginia At 3/14/2020 11:25:08 AM

Wonderful blog Leona. Missing you and all the birthday ladies. “Hugs” I have a cold so I’m staying away from people too but will be calling or texting family to stay in touch. Hope you are feeling stronger everyday.

Reply by: Leona Choy

Ephesians 6:10 is for you and David today. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. It will be a long road for David but the good outcome will be worth it. God is giving you strength and patience beyond yourself in your caregiving role. Lean on the Lord and trust Him for one step at a time. I send my love.

Sarah From Saint Jo Texas At 3/14/2020 8:57:57 AM

Hello Leona. Once again, thank you for your wisdom. I’m sort of Quarantined in a sense by living out in the country, but how good it is to be able to have this time to meditate on the things of God, and The Opportunity to encourage and pray for those less fortunate. Love, Sarah??

Reply by: Leona Choy

Sarah dear, the Lord is teaching you the principle of Isaiah 58:10and 11 and as you pray for an show your concern and compassion for others, you yourself will reap the blessings. Something may be coming up that will threaten to rock you off your center, but hold fast to God to bring you back to harmony and balance. You will prove God is faithful.

Lisa Meadows From Stanley At 3/14/2020 8:50:20 AM

Beautiful! Thank you! God bless you with intimacy in Christ during this time and always. ??

Reply by: Leona Choy

I receive that, thank you. God is good--always.

James Duda From Winchester, VA At 3/14/2020 5:50:04 AM

Thank you, Leona, for the timely comments. These interesting times remind me of the Passover, when families were hunkered down in their homes, with the marks on their lintels, waiting for the angel of death to pass over them. We, too, are waiting... Pray, hope, and don't worry.

Reply by: Leona Choy

Jim, early on I marked my doorway lintels with oil to appropriate the similar protection against the pestilence we face. And we all need a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit for these days which threaten to rock us off center. Let's hold fast to God to keep us in harmony and balance. God bless your household with peace and joy.

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